WikiLeaks Rally: Austin G Mackell's statement, 6 Oct'12

Austin G Mackell’s statement read at Oct 6 rally for #Assange & #WikiLeaks

For those of you who haven’t heard the story, I’m a freelance journalist who’s also faced the wrath of a foreign government in the course of doing my work. Whilst attempting to interview a union leader in the town of Mahalla, my colleagues and I were mobbed and arrested. Three days later we were released on bail, facing charges of “incitement”. For six months my family, friends, union, and thousands of other supporters in Egypt, Australia and elsewhere campaigned hard. At the same time as this, the embassy staff here in Cairo made constant efforts on my behalf. Nothing happened. I stayed on a travel ban – stuck — with the threat of jail hanging over my head. They had me right where they wanted me. The foreign minister, Bob Carr, was conspicuous in his absence, clearly wanting nothing to do with the case.

WikiLeaks Rally: Afghan Peace Volunteers' Statement, 6 Oct'12

Afghan Peace Volunteers’ statement read at Oct 6 rally for #Assange & #WikiLeaks

The Afghan Peace Volunteers are a group of courageous activists campaigning for an end to war in their country.
This statement, read at the October 6 Sydney rally for Assange and Wikileaks, was arranged through Gail Malone, an Australian peace activist and member of the Support Assange and WikiLeaks Coalition. Gail has been talking to members of the Afghan Peace Volunteers since the first Global Day of Listening 18 months ago.

WikiLeaks Rally: Kellie Tranter's Statement, 6 Oct'12

Kellie Tranter’s statement read at Oct 6 rally for #Assange & #WikiLeaks

It is with much regret that I can’t be with you today.

May I start by offering my condolences to Christine and Julian Assange and family for the loss of their beloved father and grandfather this week.  As a political refugee Julian Assange wasn’t granted permission to visit his dying grandfather, yet even in wars ceasefires have been negotiated to enable both sides to tend to their wounded and bury their dead.